S.Korea rescues four Pyongyang sailors

Seoul, June 5: The Seoul Consolidation Ministry said Monday that four North Korean sailors have been rescued on two ships floating on the east coast of South Korea. The South's Coast Guard rescued a North Korean on a vessel on June 2 and another three fishermen on another boat the following day in the East Sea, according to the Ministry of Unification.

"They are undergoing investigations. The government will take action in accordance with their free will after the probes," said Lee Duk-haeng, a ministry spokesman. The rescue came days after six North Korean fishermen rescued by South Korea were sent back home on May 31, Yonhap news agency reported. South Korea has sent back fishermen who drifted into its waters in the past after making certain they did not wish to defect.